[Book Review] The Wicked + The Divine Book One HC

The Wicked + The Divine Book One HC / Kieron Gillen, Matthew Wilson, Jamie McKelvie, Clayton Cowles

Now, usually I do try to write my own synopsis.  But really in this case Image nailed it.
Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critically thermonuclear floor-fillers Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to start a new ongoing superhero fantasy. Welcome to THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, where gods are the ultimate pop stars. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever.
I don't know why I waited so long to read The Wicked + The Divine, and there's really no excuse, my library owns the first two volumes and even if we didn't I could have requested them through inter-library loan.

The Wicked + The Divine is a vibrant and engaging rock and roll journey through dreams, aspirations, lust, murder, and celebrity.  Whether you believe they are gods or not, whether they actually perform miracles, they burn hard and bright and the world cannot take their eyes off them.

Laura is a devout fan who manages to get close by catching Lucifer's attention, and is drawn in deeper as Lucifer is incarcerated for murder while the pantheon does nothing.  Along with a skeptical journalist, Cassandra, Laura is drawn deeper into a complex story played out in the shadows while the gods burn brightly for the public.

Laura makes for a fantastic lead, self-aware, caring, devout, witty, and biting.
"I'd appreciate it if you could at least be creepy in a way I could understand."
After the Persephone incident I'm not sure where the story will go, who the story will gravitate around the most.  And there is so much more to tell in this story.

 The incarnation of Lucifer is brilliant, I want more of her even if that clearly won't happen.  Luci to me remains the most defined (and most defiant) of the pantheon, and ensnared my interest from the start.

Excellent read with gorgeous and vibrant art.  I cannot wait for the next installment.

Advance Reader Copy courtesy of Image Comics in exchange for an honest review; changes may exist between galley and the final edition.

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